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Construction of the Hoover Dam, located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, began in the midst of the 1930s Great Depression. The dam, the largest of its time, was finished two years earlier than expected due to the 20,000 workers toiling day and night. These men found shelter and entertainment in Boulder City, the closest town to the dam. Today, Boulder City still provides shelter, but now its for tourists. Five lodging options range from an upscale private residence to a comfortable inn.

Hacienda Hotel & Casino

Less than three miles from the dam and right off of Highway 93 is the Hacienda Hotel and Casino (haciendaonline.com). This hotel features guest rooms and suites ranging from economy to special, but all have color televisions and coffeemakers. Rooms with views of nearby Lake Mead are also available. Try your luck at poker, either video or in a tournament, or on one of the slot machines. The hotel has many in-house dining options: snack foods at Banditos, coffee at Cafe Kokopelli, dinner at the Hacienda Steakhouse or the daily buffet at the Tango Buffet. In-house attractions include live musical performances or movies at the Lakeview Cinemas. Area attractions include rides with the dam Helicopter Company or Lake Mead cruises with the Desert Princess.

Pirate's Cove

Escape to a private oasis known as Pirate's Cove (elite-getaways.com). This pirate-themed rental property, owned and operated by Elite Getaways, consists of five structures each with gourmet kitchens. Stay in one of the 15 bedrooms, use the gym or relax in one of the hot tubs. Have pirate-themed fun; slide down the water slide into the lagoon, walk the plank or enjoy a view of the resort from the lookout. Additional amenities such as gourmet catering and accommodations for personal aircraft can be arranged. Area attractions include Skydive Las Vegas and raft tours of the Colorado River with Black Canyon River Adventures . Local dining options include dinner at Evan's Old Town Grille and breakfast or lunch at the World Famous Coffee Cup.

Boulder Dam Hotel

The Boulder Dam Hotel (boulderdamhotel.com), listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is only seven miles from the dam and features guest rooms with cable televisions and wireless Internet access. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and guests will receive a daily free breakfast. The hotel, built at the same time as the dam, is also the home of the Boulder City/Hoover dam Museum. Area attractions include ziplining over the desert with Bootleg Canyon Flightlines and train rides on the Nevada Southern Railway. Area dining options include Boulder Dam Brewing Co. (boulderdambrewing.com) and Big Horn Restaurant (no website; 1300 Arizona St., Boulder City; 702-294-6005).

El Rancho Boulder Motel

The El Rancho Boulder Motel (elranchobouldermotel.com) offers guest rooms with cable televisions, microwaves and refrigerators. Rooms with fully equipped kitchens are also available. Swim in the outdoor pool or grill dinner on one of the barbecues. Local attractions include the Boulder Creek Golf Club and kayaking with Desert Adventures. Both the Southwest Diner and Star Burger are within walking distance.

Milo's Inn at Boulder

Stay in one of the four rooms, each inspired by Tuscany, at Milo's Inn at Boulder (milosinnatboulder.com). Each room features gas fireplaces, private water closet and wireless Internet access. Three of the four rooms also have whirlpool tubs, while the other room has a shower. Unwind with a treatment at the on-site spa, enjoy a gourmet breakfast or relax near the waterfall in the private garden. Local attractions include Boulder City Golf Course and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The inn is also home of the restaurant, Milo's Cellar. Other nearby restaurants include Mel's Diner and Tony's Pizza.

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About the Author

Lowell, Massachusetts-based writer Kris Gleba has been writing home decor articles since 2008. She enjoys all aspects of small home living, from complete gut remodels to ingenius home decorating that incorporates style and function. She has previously written for the “Athol Daily News.” She holds a degree in professional writing from Fitchburg State University.

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